Constant tension web control



March 10, 1936, J -J KlTTEL GONSTAN'I TENSION WEB CONTROL Filed March s, 1955 s sheets-sheet 1 March 10, 1936.

J. J. KITTEL CONSTANT TENSION WEB CONTROL v Filed March 5, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l M 4 I 52 1 `28C 57 .Jj ,v lo* C INVENTOR 32 Y John kIIx/vittel 0" BY M6' 1, 23 23 ,275 AT RNEY l March l0, 1936.

J. J. .Km-El. y 2,033,578

CONSTANT TENSION WEB CONTROL Filed March s, 1935 s sheets-sheet 5 4 -TE ET 8- E INVENToR H 4 T, ETH John Kittel A ORNEY cated generally at I9.

Patented Mar. 1o, 1936 v'UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CONSTANT TENSION WEB CONTROL John J. Kittel, St. Albans, N. Y.

Application MarchlS, 1933, Serial No. 659,449 22 claims. (o1. 242-75) Special objects of this invention are to apply substantially constant tension to the webs of printing presses', winding machines and the like, irrespective of variations in the diameters of the rolls and consequent variations in surface speeds and to accomplish this simply and practically, with few non-complicated parts.

Other objects and the novel features of construction, combinations and relations of parts which m'ake up the invention are set forth in the following'specication and broadly covered in the claims. v 4

The drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification illustrate several different `embodiments of the invention and it will be apparent from the scope of the claims that the structure may be further modied and changed all within the true intent of the invention.

Fig. l is a broken end elevation illustrating the invention embodied in a web reel associated with a printing press.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged broken sectional view taken on the axis of one of the web rolls, as on line 2-2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary broken sectional view as on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 and showing the web as being directly taken oli by a winding roll.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary further enlarged sectional detail illustrating the relation of the hunting tooth friction gears to the pinion driving the same.

Fig. 5 is a broken sectional detail illustrating an internal gear type of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a broken part sectional and somewhat diagrammatic illustration showing how a greater number than two friction gears may be employed.

Fig. 7 is a broken and somewhat diagrammatic View illustrating the invention embodied in a take-up roll construction with parts appearing in section as online l-'I of Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional detail of the internal gear type of friction control partly illustrated in Fig. 7.

Figs. 9 and 10 are diagrammatic views.

In Fig. l, a printing press is indicated at ID, supplied with a web II, from the rolls I2, carried by the web reel I3.

By reference to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the tubular cores I4 of the rolls are `engaged at the ends on spindles I5, I6, `mounted in the spider arms I'I, I8, of the reel. The spindle I6, is retractible as usual in such-devices, by-means of a cam slot and pin construction such as indi- The opposite, live spindle I5, is rotatably journalledin bearings 20, 2|,

carried by the back wall 22, and removable cap 23 of a chamber 24, provided in thearm of the front spider II. The web core is splined to this spindle by a key connection indicated at 25, so that this spindle turns with the web roll.

That portion of the live spindle within the chamber 24, is shown as cut with gear teeth to provide a pinion 26 and meshing with this pinion are shown the hunting tooth gears 2'I, 28, both of the same pitch diameter but one, the rst of these in the illustration having a less number of teeth than the other. As a typical example, gear 21 might have thirty-one teeth, gear 28 thirty-two teeth and the pinion 26, sixteen teeth.

By reference to Figs. 4, 9, and l0, it will be clear that the pitch diameters, the outside diameters andthe root diameters may all be equal, even though the number of teeth in the gears may be different.

Gears 2'I, 28 are shown coneentrically mounted in freely rotatable relation on a stud shaft 29, xed to the cap or cover member 23 and the rst of these gears is illustrated as journalled on a hub extension 30 of gear 28. Between these gears, a spacing `ring 3|, is shown, which may be of suitable brake material to provide a frictional coupling between the two.

The tension' of the frictional coupling between gears 2l, 28, is determined in the illustration by' a coil spring 32, centered against the outer gear 21, by the hub 30 of the inner gear, said spring being enclosed within hub extension 33 of the outer gear and sustained by an anti-friction washer 34, held by a hand wheel 35, screwed on vthe outer end of stud shaft 29. The spring enclosing hub 33 of the outer gear is journalled at 36, in the spider arm, so that this gear also has ample bearing surfaces. An anti-friction washer unit 3l between thefinner gear and end cap 23, serves to carry the thrust load of 'the gears against the inner side of the casing. To aiTord lubrication and cooling for this and the other parts, the casing may be employed as an oil well, being lled to the desired extent with suitable lubricant through the ller opening at 38. In operation, it will be observed that both gears 21, 28, will be positively driven by the roll pinion 26, but that on account of the difference in the number of teeth, gear 2l, being in the example, one tooth less in number than gear 28, will rotate at a faster rate than gear 28 and, in this particular instance, that for each two turns of the pinion 26, there will be a differential travel of the two gears. 2l, 28, a distance equal to one tooth. A brakingY CII load equivalent to the force of spring 32, through the extent of such movement and applied through this line of reduction gearing is thus imposed upon theweb roll and this load or drag on the web will remain substantially constant, irrespective of the surfacespeed of the web. The brake gears 21, 28, thus may be considered as a traveling brake turning with the web and exerting a substantially constant drag or braking force thereon. This braking force, it will further be noted, may be varied at any time by simply adjusting the tension setting hand wheel 35.

Fig. 3 in addition to further showingcertain of the details, also illustrates how the web may be taken off direct by a winding roll 39.

The same substantially constant tension control is effected in Fig. 5, by an internal gear form of construction and eccentrically related gears in place of the so-called hunting tooth gears. The brake gears in this instance, designated 21a and 28a, are journalled on eccentrically related bearing shoulders 40, 4|, on an eccentric support 42, keyed at 43, on a web roll shaft |40. and mesh with teeth of an internal gear 44, fixed in the V- block 45, which is held 'stationary in its laterally adjusted relation in the main frame in the usual way. 'I'he braking gears are forced together by a tensioning spring 32a, against a shoulder 4B, on the supporting member 42, and the thrust of this member is taken care of by a suitable thrust bearing at 41, inside the V-block.

In the case last described, the control gear which is common to the two brake gears is held stationary and the brake gears rotate bodily inside this control gear, in the course of which they turn relatively to each other, in accordance with the ratio established by the different toothing of the gears.

Fig. 6 is intended mainly to illustrate the fact that more than two friction gears may be employed, this view showing three such gears 21h, 28D, and 21e, side-by-side under tension of spring 32h, and all in mesh with a common control pinion 26, as in the first construction. As a typical example of this form of the invention, the three braking gears might be toothed 49, 48, and 41, respectively, in mesh with the small pinion. 'I'his provides a very low speed ratio and enables the use of a relatively light tension spring, the latter particularly because of the increased friction surfaces provided.

The internal gear type of the invention is particularly applicable with a take-up roll for diameter compensation purposes, as will be seen from Figs, '1 and 8, in the first of which views, such a roll is indicated at 48, taking the web from a set of calender rolls 49. In Fig. 8, the hollow core of the take-up roll is shown keyed at 50, to the hub of a gear casing 5I, which carries within it a ring gear 44a, meshed by brake gears 21d, 28e, differently toothed as in the first form of the invention, but concentrically journalled on an eccentric hub portion 52, of sleeve 53, which is driven at substantially constant speed by spur gear 54. This driving sleeve 53 is shown journalled on the stud shaft 29a, which is slidingly keyed at 55, in a bearing standard 56. The opposite end of this stud shaft is shown centered in the hub portion 51 of the gear case, which hub portion is in turn rotatably mounted in the bearing standard 58. Longitudinal adjustment of the stud shaft by the screw wheel 35a, regulates the force of the brake tensioning spring 3211 and in this construction, the same as in the first form aosasv described, the tension may be regulated as desired While the apparatus is in operation.

The several forms of the invention shown, i1- lustrate the fact that the control or connecting gearing may drive the friction coupled braking gears, as the gear 26 in Fig. 2, be driven by the braking gears as the gear 44a in Fig. 8, or be stationary, as the gear 44 in Fig. 5; that this tension control can be used at either the unwinding or the winding end of the web and that in all uses the device constitutes itself a traveling brake couple which rides along with the part which it controls, maintaining at all times practically the same applied braking force. The form of the coupling gear and brake gears may vary.

Other changes within the scope of the invention may occur in the many special uses to which the invention is applicable.

The speed ratio of the brake gears is determinable and ascertainable by a definite special formula, as to which it need only be noted here that as the number of teeth on the friction gears is increased the braking ratio decreases and that as the tooth number is reduced the braking ratio increases.

The device takes up but small space and is readily applicable to existing web handling machinery. `An important advantage which might not at once be apparent is that the device is effective at all times to hold a web roll against un- .winding, for instance, when making a shift of rolls on the web reel shown in Fig. 1. The construction is relatively simple, rugged and inexpensive and the parts which carry the load can be kept cool and at best operating etliciency in a continuous oil bath. The complete braking unit may be considered as consisting simply of the two companion or cooperating members, one, the brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together in such relation that the slower rotation of one applies a braking force to the other and the other member consisting of gearing connecting the brake gears in the desired differential speed relation, with the part to be controlled, such as the web roll, connected with one or the other of such members.

vThis invention makes it possible by proper corelatior of gearing, to maintain the tension constant for given web thickness, regardless of changing roll diameter. In accomplishing this, consideration is given the fact that for each revolution cf the web roll, an amount equal to twice the thickness of the web will be added to or subtracted from the roll diameter, varying the normal speed according to that definite ratio. With the brake gearing designed at the same ratio, the tensioning effect will be maintained constant. Definite formulas for the same are as follows:

If R.R. represents roll ratio and T represents thickness of web, which for an `iverage may be .0035 then For a relation, .such as diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 9, `the following formula applies:

Where GR. represents gear ratio,

Z represents the number of teeth in the pinion gear, A represents the number of teeth in the friction gear, B represents the number of teeth in the hunting tooth gear.

The equation for the gear ratio is A A G.R..= (E- 1)-5-2 With the values represented in Fig. 9, this becomes '1 and hence the same as the roll ratio (2T), which in the example above, also is .007 and hence the gear ratio is the same as the roll ratio, namely .007:1(R.R.=G.R.).

In an example like that diagrammatically indicated in Fig. l0, where the pinion gear Z' is a planetary type gear carried by radial arm i0, on roll shaft l5, and where gear A' is either stationary or revolves freely, the iorniula becomes ZI Z1 @.R.' E

or in the example given, .492i providing a gear ratio (@2121) suitable for heavi r paper, cardboard or the like,- having an egual roll ratio (R.R.=.021:1). In handling newspaper webs which may average .0035 to .094 inch in thickness, a very low gear ratio is best, such as can be etiected by the type of gearing. shown in Fig. 6. For thicker web material, such as corrugated or x cardboard paper, a higher gear ratio type of construction is best, 'such for instance as shown inV mg.. 5. l 2- The invention eliminates any undesirable or irregular snubbing or braking action, such as acconipanies the use oi former types of web contro s.

What is claimed is:

i. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including-brake gears turning at diiierent speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force onthe other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gearsv in the diil'erential speed relation above recited and one o! the members of said braking unit having means enabling conneccin of the same with a web carrying roll or the Web tensioning means, comprising commembers including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a brakingK connection, causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the. other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the diierentiai speed relation above recited, one of the members of said braking unit having means enabling connection o! the same with a web carrying roll or the like, the braking connection between the brake gears including a spring frictionally coupling the brake gears and means enabling adjustment of the applied force of such spring.

3. Web tensioning means, comprising companion embers of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at diii'erent speeds and coupled together by a braking connecing unit having panion members oi a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at diil'erent speeds and 'coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the diiierential speed relation above recited, one of the membersoi said braking unit having means enabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like, the brake gears consisting of gear elements in side-by-side relation and the connecting gearingconsisting of a gear member in mesh with both said side-by-side brake gears.

5. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at dinerent speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the differential speed relation above recited, one of the members oi said braking unit having means enabling connection t ing of a shaft element extending through the brake gears and an adjusting member'on said shaft element.

6. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous brak-- ing force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the differential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said vbraking unit having means enabling connectionof the same with a web carrying roll or the like, said brake gears being concentrically disposed in sideby-side relation and the connecting gearing comprising va gear element meshed with both and located to one side of the .brake gears.

7. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the digerential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said brakmeansenabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like,

said brake gears being-:located in side-by-sidel relation and the connecting gearingconsisting of an .annular gear surrounding and in mesh sideby-side with said side-by-side brake gears.

8. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the differential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said braking unit having means enabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like,

, said brake gears being disposed in side-by-side,

eccentrically journalled relation to said connecting gearing.

9. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the differential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said braking unit having means enabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like, said brake gears being disposed in side-by-side, eccentrically journalled relation to said connecting gearing and said connecting gearing consisting of a single gear element directly meshing both brake gears.

10. Web tensioning means, comprising companion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the -diierential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said braking unit having means enabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like, said brake gears being hunting tooth gears of substantially the same pitch diameter with different numbers of teeth.

11. Web tensioning Imeans, comprising companion members cf a braking unit, one of, sa`id members including brake gears turning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other memberof said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the differential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said braking unit having means enabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like and a casing enclosing said members of the braking unit for containing a cooling lubricant. I

12. Web tensioning means, comprisinggcrnpanion members of a braking unit, one of said members including brake gears vturning at different speeds and coupled together by a braking connection causing one to exert a continuous braking force on the other, the other member of said braking unit including gearing connecting said brake gears in the differential speed relation above recited, one of the members of said braking unit having means enabling connection of the same with a web carrying roll or the like, said brake gears and connecting gearing being intermeshing toothed construction absolutely maintaining the brake gears in the desired differential speed ratio.

13. Web tensioning apparatus comprising in combination, a gear member, means for connecting the same with a web roll, brake gears driven at diiferent speeds from said gear member and a braking connection between said brake gears.

14. Web tensioning apparatus comprising in combination, a gear member, brake gears in mesh with said gear member and held thereby to rotation at different speeds, a braking connection between said different speed gears and a web roll connected to drive said brake gears.

15. Web tensioning apparatus comprising in combination, a stationary gear member, brake gears in mesh with said stationary gear member and held thereby in relatively rotatable relation to eachother,` a braking connection between said brake gears and a web roll connected to drive said brake gears.

16. In combination, a winding roll, a member driving the same and including brake gears frictionally coupled together and gearing holding said brake gears to relative rotation at different speeds. l

1'7. In combination, an unwinding roll, a gear member turned thereby and brake gears frictionally coupled together and driven at different speeds from said gear member. l

18. In apparatus of the character disclosed, a tensioning unit for web control, including continuous cooperating braking members having equal pitch diameters but different numbers of teeth for low gear reduction and a control gear unit in meshed relation with both said` differently toothed braking members.

19. A substantially uniform tension device for web rolls, comprising in combination with a web roll shaft, brake gearing connected therewith and including a hunting tooth gear combination consisting of gears of different tooth number con-i nected by a friction brake, forming one element of the combination and a coupling gear in mesh with said friction brake connected gears and forming the other element of the hunting tooth gear combination, one of said elements constructed for connection in driven relation with a web roll for application of the frictional braking force thereto and in which the tooth difference is formulated on the web thickness variation per roll revolution.

20. Apparatus for tensioning a winding or unwinding web in accordance with the formula A=friction gear number of teeth, B=hunting tooth gear number of teeth, G.R.=speed ratio of friction and hunting tooth gears, Z=pinion gear number of teeth, in which the friction gear and hunting tooth gear are frictionally coupled and in which the pinion gear is connected in driven relation with the web to be tensioned and is in mesh with both the friction and hunting tooth gears to cause the frictional coupling'between said gears to operate as a continuously acting brake and in which said speed ratio of the friction and hunting tooth gears is substantially equal to the ratio of web roll diameters for a difference of one roll revolution, equivalent to two thicknesses of the web.

21. Apparatus for tensioning a web in accordance with the formula l .Zl ZI G R. -T-; where A'zstationary gear number of teeth, B'=hunting tooth gear number of G.R.=speed ratio of stationary gear to hunting tooth gear, Zzplanetary gear number of teeth, v in which the stationary gear and hunting tooth gear are frictionally coupled and in which thel planetary gear is connected to be turnedin its planetary path by the web and .is in mesh with both the stationary' and hunting tooth gears to cause the frictional coupling to operate as a con` tinuously acting brake on the web, and in which said ratio of the stationary and hunting 'tooth gears is substantially equal to the :atie o' web roii diameters for a diiference of one roll revolution. equivalent to two thicknesses of the web.

22. A substantially uniform tension device for web rolls, comprising in combination with a web roll having a. ratio o! changing roll diameters per A revolution established by the two thicknesses of web rolled or unrolled each revolution. a hunting tooth gear combination consisting ot frictionally 

